Easy Lazy Lasagna Recipe

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If you love the taste of traditional lasagna but don’t want to spend much time in the kitchen, this easy lazy lasagna recipe is exactly what you need. It’s a comforting pasta dish made with simple ingredients and cooked all in one large skillet. Perfect for busy nights, this recipe is a family favorite that even picky eaters will enjoy.

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Why You’ll Love This Lazy Lasagna

This lazy version of lasagna skips the layering and long bake times. With just a little bit of effort and a few pantry staples, you’ll have a delicious meal on the table in under an hour. You can even prep it ahead and reheat it the next day for quick family dinners. It’s also a great recipe to bring to potlucks or freeze for later.

Ingredients for Lazy Lasagna

• 12 oz of pasta noodles (bowtie pasta, campanelle pasta, or mini lasagna noodles work great)
• 1 lb of lean ground beef or Italian sausage (ground turkey or ground chicken are good too)
• 1 small chopped onion
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 24 oz of pasta sauce or marinara sauce (use your favorite spaghetti sauce)
• 1 cup ricotta cheese
• ½ cup parmesan cheese
• 16 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese
• Olive oil for sautéing
• Salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning to taste

How to Make Lazy Lasagna

Boil the Pasta

Fill a large pot of water and bring it to a boil over high heat. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and 12 oz of your chosen pasta noodles — bowtie, mini lasagna noodles, or even campanelle pasta all work well. Stir occasionally so they don’t stick together. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until it reaches that perfect al dente texture (firm but cooked through). Once cooked, drain and set aside.

Brown the Meat

In a large cast iron skillet or any oven-safe skillet, heat a splash of olive oil over medium-high heat. Add 1 lb of lean ground beef or Italian sausage. If you’re using something like ground turkey or ground chicken, make sure it’s fully cooked with no pink remaining. Break up the meat into small pieces as it browns so it cooks evenly.

Add Onion and Garlic

Once the meat is mostly browned, add in 1 small chopped onion and 2 minced garlic cloves. Continue to cook over medium heat for another 3–5 minutes, or until the onion is soft and translucent and the garlic is fragrant. Stir occasionally so nothing burns.

Drain the Fat

Carefully drain off any excess grease from the skillet. This step keeps your dish from turning out too oily and helps the flavors shine through.

Make the Sauce

Return the skillet to the heat. Pour in 24 oz of your favorite pasta sauce or marinara sauce. You can use homemade sauce or a store-bought version — either works great. Stir everything together, then season to taste with salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and Italian seasoning. Let the sauce simmer gently for 5–7 minutes over medium heat so all the flavors meld together.

Add the Cheeses

Stir in 1 cup of ricotta cheese and ½ cup of parmesan cheese. Keep stirring until the ricotta is fully incorporated and the sauce looks creamy and smooth. This gives the meat sauce that rich, cheesy flavor you love in traditional lasagna.

Combine with Pasta

Turn off the heat and add the cooked pasta to the skillet. Gently stir everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the cheesy meat sauce.

Top with Mozzarella

Sprinkle the entire surface with 16 oz of shredded mozzarella cheese, making sure to cover everything for that classic lasagna cheesiness.

Broil to Finish

Place the skillet under your oven’s broiler on high heat. Broil for 2–4 minutes, just until the mozzarella cheese is melted, bubbly, and slightly golden brown on top. Keep a close eye — broilers can go from perfect to burned in seconds.

Serve and Enjoy

Carefully remove the skillet from the oven (use oven mitts — the handle will be hot). Let it sit for 5 minutes to settle, then scoop and serve. This dish goes great with garlic bread and a fresh salad.

Tips and Variations for Lazy Lasagna

• Use cheese ravioli instead of regular pasta for a more indulgent twist.
• Want extra veggies? Toss in spinach, mushrooms, or zucchini when cooking the meat.
• No oven-safe skillet? Transfer everything to a baking dish, sprinkle with mozzarella, and broil in your oven.
• Cover leftovers tightly with aluminum foil or store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
• The next time you make it, try using cottage cheese instead of ricotta for a different texture.

Final Thoughts

This easy lazy lasagna casserole is a lifesaver on those hectic days when you want comfort food fast. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that you’ll turn to again and again. With a quick cook time and rave reviews from the entire family, it’s no surprise that this dish has become a go-to in many homes. If you’re a huge lasagna fan, be sure to try our One-Pot Creamy Chicken Lasagna Soup Recipe next time! It’s a cozy twist on traditional lasagna with all the same comforting flavors—perfect for busy nights when you don’t want to use a baking dish.

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